This is similar, almost word for word, to Matthew, chapter 26:20-21, and somewhat similar to John, chapter 13:21, but this verse is not found in Luke. First, they all took their places reclining at the table (καὶ ἀνακειμένων αὐτῶν). Did this mean that Peter, James, John, and Andrew had preferential seating? While they were eating (καὶ ἐσθιόντων), Jesus gave a solemn declaration or proclamation (εἶπεν Ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν). He said that one of his 12 leading apostles would betray him (ὅτι εἷς ἐξ ὑμῶν παραδώσει με). Differing from Matthew, Mark indicated that Jesus said that the betrayer was one of those eating with him at this very table with him (ὁ ἐσθίων μετ’ ἐμοῦ). This seems like a strange time to bring this up. However, Jesus was clear, he knew what was going to happen. This may harken back to Psalm 49:9 where David complained that even some friend, whom he trusted and broke bread with, had lifted his heel against him. Thus, this prophecy would be fulfilled when one of his beloved trusted 12 apostles betrayed him.

This psalm ends with a warning about richness. You should never be afraid of the rich people. Even if someone’s wealth increases, they cannot take it with them. Their wealth stays here on earth while they go down to death. They can take nothing with them. Even if they had a happy life, they still have to live with their ancestors in eternal death where they will never see the light of day. No matter how pompous one was, they still die like animals. This is a repeat of what was said earlier. The message was clear. Do not be bothered by rich men since they are going to die anyway.

Once again we have the theme of the shepherd. This time death, not Yahweh, is the shepherd. Death leads all of us sheep directly to the grave, where we waste away. Our homes will be Sheol, the ill-defined underground afterlife. However, we do have an exception. The psalmist believes that God will rescue him from the eternal power of Sheol. God will ransom his soul with his belief in an eternal afterlife with God. With that, it is time for another musical interlude pause of Selah.

This psalmist reminds us to the look at the wise people, much like himself. They die. However, so do the fools and stupid people also die. Their wealth is given to others. Their house is no longer opulent since their home is the dwelling place of all people for generations to come, the grave. Mortals cannot keep their pomp forever, since they are like animals that die. This is the fate of all, to die. Even those who are foolhardy and pleased with their lot in life, they will come to an end. On that happy note, it is time for the usual musical interlude pause of Selah.

The psalmist wanted to know why he should be afraid. His persecutors were wicked iniquitous men who trusted and boasted about their abundant wealth. Nobody could ransom themselves. There was no price that they could give to God to save their own lives. No ransom could save a person’s life forever. Everyone would die and go down to the pit or the grave.

Psalm 49 continues the string of choral psalms of the Sons of Korah of the last few psalms. This psalmist is like a wise sage. He wanted all the people of the whole world to hear him. This was not confided to Israel, but the more universal wisdom literature. He wanted the ears of the high and the low people as well as the rich and the poor. This is another indication that classism and economic woes have a long history. The mouth of the psalmist would speak with wisdom and understanding. He knew about proverbs and riddles with the background music of the harp.